とても暑い
totemo atsui
The English phrase "so hot" is expressed in Japanese as とても暑い (totemo atsui).
This phrase is used to describe a very high air temperature. Note that while words for "hot" can also describe a person's physical appearance as "cool" or a male as "handsome," or refer to being "excited," the specific term used here refers to the weather. Additionally, the phrase 熱くなりすぎないでください can be used to tell someone not to get too hot or too excited.
Which one should you use?
There is a critical distinction in the kanji used for "hot" depending on the context. Use the kanji 暑い when discussing weather or air temperature. Use the kanji 熱い when describing an object that is hot to the touch, such as a stove or coffee.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai region, the phrase めちゃめちゃあっちぃわ is used to express that it is extremely hot.
How do you pronounce it?
totemo atsui
Did you know?
- Despite the weather being 暑い, many Japanese people take 熱い ('hot') baths in the summer as a way to regulate body temperature and relax.
- The word for 'hot' in the context of temperature, 暑い, contains the radical for 'sun' (日), which visually anchors the meaning to the weather.
- Japanese culture associates the phrase 暑い with the seasonal tradition of eating かき氷 ('kakigori'), a shaved ice dessert that is a cultural symbol of surviving the summer heat.
Examples in context
- 外はとても暑いです。Soto wa totemo atsui desu.It is very hot outside.
- この部屋はとても暑い。Kono heya wa totemo atsui.This room is very hot.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are walking outside on a summer day.
- 結衣 Yui今日はとても暑いですね。Kyou wa totemo atsui desu ne.It is very hot today, isn't it?
- 健太 Kentaはい、本当に暑いです。Hai, hontou ni atsui desu.Yes, it really is hot.
- 結衣 Yui早く涼しいところへ行きましょう。Hayaku suzushii tokoro e ikimashou.Let's go somewhere cool quickly.
- 健太 Kentaそうしましょう。Sou shimashou.Let's do that.
